Contents transmission method and contents transmission system

ABSTRACT

Mobile unit  16  which can activate Java-AP software receives SDF (Security Descriptive File)  204  from administering server unit  18  which a trustworthy organization (a communication provider which administers mobile packet communication network  15 ) administers, and obtains ADF  205  from IP server unit  13  by using URL contained in the SDF, and obtains Jar file  206  from IP server unit  13  by using ADF  205,  and installs in itself Java-AP containing these files. Java-AP, which is achieved by activating the installed Java-AP software, operates within the range of authorization expressed by policy information contained in SDF  204

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to transmitting application software toterminal units.

BACKGROUND ART

Mobile units equipped with a function of executing Java-AP (JavaApplication) software by carrying out a program written in accordancewith Java (trademark registered) programming language, and downloadedvia a network are in widespread use.

Java-AP software includes a Jar (Java Archive) file and an ADF(Application Descriptor File). The Jar file contains a program, whichprovides a user with certain Java-AP. The ADF is dependent upon the Jarfile, and contains, for instance, URL showing where a Jar file is stored(hereinafter, referred to as package URL), the size of a Jar file, themost recent date when a Jar file is changed and other necessaryinformation.

A mobile unit downloads the relevant software to the desired Java-AP byfollowing the process described below. First, the mobile unit obtains anADF pertaining to the desired Java-AP from a server unit, whichconstitutes WWW (World Wide Web).

The mobile unit, which obtains an ADF checks the content of the ADF, anddetermines whether the Jar file pertaining to the desired Java-AP can beinstalled in the mobile unit. When the mobile unit determines thatJava-AP software can be installed, the mobile unit obtains from a serverunit, which constitutes WWW a Jar file by using package URL contained inthe ADF. The process of downloading Java-AP software is complete whenthe Jar file is obtained. Hereinafter, in the mobile unit, installationof the downloaded Java-AP software is carried out, and the Java-APsoftware can be activated when required.

Incidentally, when the Java-AP software is installed in a mobile unitthe activation of Java-AP is subject to greater restriction than theactivation of functions that are native to the mobile unit, such as acommunication application function. The activation of a Java-AP isrestricted in that it is unable to access certain data contained in amobile unit, such as telephone numbers for example. By imposing strictrestrictions in this manner, leakage or falsification of confidentialdata contained in a mobile unit, occurring due to malfunctioning Java-APor caused intentionally, can be prevented.

However, imposing the above-mentioned restriction on all Java-APuniformly does not adequately meet the needs of a user of a mobile unitor an IP (information provider). For instance, some users seem to feelthat Java-AP could be allowed to refer to some of the privateinformation stored in a mobile unit as long as security is guaranteed.Also, some IPs wish to provide Java-AP, which uses some of the privateinformation stored in a mobile unit, or some of the functions a mobileunit is equipped with.

To fulfill these requirements, a system in which a trustworthyorganization such as a communication provider providing a communicationservice to users of mobile units working as an authority, is entrustedwith the responsibility of authorizing Java-AP to operate with greaterflexibility. Mobile units using Java-AP are notified by theauthorization of the operational rules set for Java-AP, and the mobileunits can restrict the operation of Java-AP on the basis of theprescribed rules. In this system, only a trustworthy organization shouldbe entrusted to administer the authorization of a more flexibleoperation of Java-AP.

When the above-mentioned system is applied to the downloading process ofJava-AP software, information showing the authorization in an ADF or aJar file must be included. Since a Jar file is updated by an IP asrequired, and it is appropriate for an IP to own a Jar file, it isappropriate for the corresponding ADF to contain information on thevalidity of the authorization.

However, since the content of an ADF is dependent upon a Jar file, anADF owned by a trustworthy organization needs to be updated once an IPupdates a Jar file. Also, updating an ADF becomes necessary at timeseven without the updating of a Jar file, as in the instance where accessto a certain Jar file gets deluged, and the Jar file is moved to anotherserver unit in the IP. In this instance, since the location where theJar file is stored is changed, a package URL contained in the ADF needsto be changed. However, since the ADF is administered by a trustworthyorganization and excludes the involvement of other agents, the updatingoperation of an ADF could become a very busy one.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention was developed to overcome the stated problems ofthe conventional art, and its object is to provide a transmission methodand a transmission system for transmitting without restricting thefreedom of an IP to a terminal unit which allows an application tooperate in accordance with an authorization, software for achieving anapplication which is transmitted by transmitting a plurality of fileswhich are dependent upon each other.

To solve the above-mentioned problem of the conventional art, thepresent invention provides a transmission method comprising: a processfor transmitting an authorization file in a communication system inwhich an originator originates a request including information showing astorage of a file and the file is transmitted in response to therequest, the process for transmitting including transmitting a securitydescriptive file as the authorization file from an administering serverunit storing the security descriptive file through a secure link to aterminal unit, the security descriptive file containing firstidentification information and authorization information, the firstidentification information showing a storage location of an applicationdescriptive file, the application descriptive file having informationdependent upon an entity file, which includes software for executing anapplication, along with information showing a storage location of theentity file, the authorization information of the security descriptivefile indicating an allowable range of an operation of the applicationwhich is executed in accordance with the software, the terminal unitexecuting operation of the application within a range shown by theauthorization information; a dependent information obtaining process forthe terminal unit to obtain, by using the first identificationinformation contained in the security descriptive file transmitted fromthe communication system in the authorization transmission process, theapplication descriptive file from one or a plurality of server units inwhich the application descriptive file is stored; and a programobtaining process for the terminal unit to obtain the entity file fromthe communication system by using the application descriptive fileobtained in the dependent information obtaining process.

By this transmission method, the terminal unit obtains before obtainingthe application descriptive file and the entity file corresponding tothe application, the security descriptive file, which is transmitted bythe communication system after security has been assured. In thesecurity descriptive file, the authorization given to the application isdenoted, and in the terminal unit, the application corresponding to thesecurity descriptive file is allowed to operate in accordance with theauthorization denoted by the obtained security descriptive file.

Also, the present invention provides a transmission system comprising: acommunication system for returning, when a stored location of a file isnotified, the file which comprises one or a plurality of server units inwhich an entity file containing software for achieving an applicationand an application descriptive file which has a content dependent uponthe entity file showing a stored location of the entity file, and anadministering server unit in which a security descriptive filecontaining a first identification information showing a stored locationof the application descriptive file and authorization informationshowing authorization given to an application which is achieved when aterminal unit executes the software is stored; and a terminal unit whichapproves operation of an application in accordance with authorizationgiven to the application, wherein the administering server unittransmits the security descriptive file to the terminal unit by assuringsecurity, and wherein the terminal unit obtains the applicationdescriptive file by using the first identification information containedin the security descriptive file transmitted by the communicationsystem, and the entity file from the communication system by using theapplication descriptive file.

By this transmission system, the terminal unit, before obtaining theapplication descriptive file and the entity file corresponding to theapplication, obtains the security descriptive file transmitted by thetransmission system after security has been assured. The authorizationgiven to the application is denoted in the security descriptive file,and in the terminal unit, the application corresponding to the securitydescriptive file is allowed to operate in accordance with the permissionof the authorization denoted by the obtained security descriptive file.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmissionsystem of one embodiment for executing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual figure showing data configuration of an ADFinherent to the transmission system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of mobile unit 16constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual figure showing the functional configuration ofmobile unit 16.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of mobile unit 16 fordownloading and installing Java-AP software.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual figure showing data configuration of an SDFstored in administering server unit 18 in the transmission system.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual figure showing the content of policy informationcontained in the SDF.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of thetransmission system.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a list page transmitted in the transmissionsystem.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the content of an explanatory file storedin IP server unit 12 constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an explanatory page transmitted in thetransmission system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the content of an explanatory file storedin IP server unit 12.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an explanatory page transmitted in thetransmission system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the content of an explanatory file storedin IP server unit 13 constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an explanatory page transmitted in thetransmission system.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of thetransmission system.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of thetransmission system.

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of thetransmission system.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram for explaining another operation of thetransmission system.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram for explaining another operation of thetransmission system.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, by referring to figures, a transmission system, which isone mode of the present invention is explained. In figures, identicalcodes are given to common portions.

(1) Configuration

As shown in FIG. 1, in the transmission system, IP server units 12 to 14are connected to Internet 11. IP server unit 12 is administered by thefirst IP (Internet Provider), and IP server units 13 and 14 areadministered by the second IP, which differs from the first IP. IPserver units 12 to 14 constitute WWW, and each is equipped with similarhardware and functions to those of a general WWW server unit. Mobilepacket communication network 15 is a network a communication provideruses to provide a mobile packet communication service. Mobile unit 16can perform radio packet communication with mobile packet communicationnetwork 15. Gateway server unit 17 is administered by an identicalcommunication provider to that of mobile packet communication network15. Gateway server unit 17 is a unit for connecting mobile packetcommunication network 15 and Internet 11, and has similar configurationto that of a general gateway server unit. Administering server unit 18is connected to gateway server unit 17 by an exclusive line.Administering server unit 18 also constitutes WWW, and has similarhardware and a function to those of a general WWW unit. Gateway serverunit 17 performs packet communication between mobile packetcommunication network 15 and Internet 11, packet communication betweenadministering server unit 18 and mobile packet communication network 15,and packet communication between administering server unit 18 andInternet 11. Mobile unit 16, by using the relaying function, is able toperform packet communication with IP server units 12 to 14 via mobilepacket communication network 15 and Internet 11. Several mobile unitsexist in the actual transmission system, but only one mobile unit 16 isshown to avoid complicating the figures. For the same reason, only IPserver units 12 to 14 are shown.

In the transmission system, mobile unit 16 is capable of receivingJava-AP software from the desired site on Internet 11. Software whichmobile unit 16 is capable of receiving is distinguished between the onepertaining to a trusted Java-AP and the one pertaining to a non-trustedJava-AP. A trusted Java-AP software is one which the communicationprovider administering mobile packet communication network 15 guaranteesauthenticity of on the basis of the contract with IP administering IPserver units 12 to 14. A non-trusted Java-AP software is any Java-APsoftware other than a trusted Java-AP software.

Administering server unit 18 stores each SDF (Security Descriptive File)pertaining to each trusted Java-AP software, which is transmitted in thetransmission system. SDF is a file, which is produced by thecommunication provider administering mobile packet communication network15, and is the file necessary for downloading into a mobile unit theJava-AP software, which uses trusted API (APplication Interface) of themobile unit. An explanation of trusted API will follow later. As shownin FIG. 6, an SDF contains an APID for detecting trusted Java-APsoftware, policy information, ADF-URL showing the location where an ADFcorresponding to the Java-AP software is stored, and public key CA(Certifying Agent) gives to IP which provides the Java-AP software.Policy information is the information showing restriction on theoperation of Java-AP. Policy information and the restriction onJava-AP's operation carried out on the basis of the policy informationwill be explained in detail afterwards.

In the present embodiment, when a trusted Java-AP software istransmitted to mobile unit 16 by one of IP server units 12 to 14, an SDFcorresponding to the trusted Java-AP software is transmitted to mobileunit 16 by administering server unit 18 in response to the request frommobile unit 16. In mobile unit 16, when a trusted Java-AP software isexecuted, restriction on the trusted Java-AP's operation is carried outon the basis of the SDF corresponding to the trusted Java-AP. This isone characteristic of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1,transmission of the SDF is carried out via mobile packet communicationnetwork 15, and administering server unit 18 and gateway server unit 17are connected by an exclusive line. Also, for transmission, the SDF isencrypted.

Hereinafter, with regard to relevance to the characteristics, theconfiguration of each element of the transmission system will beexplained.

IP server units 12, 13 and 14 are equipped with fixed memory 12A, 13Aand 14A respectively.

Fixed memory 12A, 13A and 14A are fixed memories such as a hard disc,and store Java-AP software constituting Jar files and ADF, andexplanatory files on the content of Java-AP software for users of mobileunits.

Each Java-AP software stored in fixed memory 12A, 13A and 14A might beeither trusted Java-AP software or non-trusted Java AP software. WhetherJava-AP is a trusted Java-AP or a non-trusted Java-AP, in each ADF ofJava-AP software, information such as a package URL showing the locationwhere a Jar file in WWW is stored, information showing the size of theJar file, and information showing the date of the most recent update arewritten. Such information is generally known as items to be written inthe ADF of a Java-AP software. Also, the ADF of a trusted Java-APsoftware, as shown in FIG. 2, contains an APID of the trusted Java-APand the hash value of the Jar file besides the generally knowninformation. Furthermore, the ADF of a trusted Java-AP software isencrypted by a secret key which CA gives to an IP which provides thesoftware.

Also, the explanatory file is a text file written in accordance withHTML. A mobile unit, when a certain Java-AP software is downloaded,needs to download beforehand the explanatory file corresponding to theJava-AP software. The explanatory file contains information for formingUI (User Interface) for receiving from the user the command fordownloading Java-AP software. Mobile unit 16 displays the UI screen inaccordance with the information. The user can carry out the operation onmobile unit 16 for specifying the object showing the desired Java-AP onthe UI screen. The explanatory file is written for the object specifiedby the user in this manner so as to correspond to the URL showing wherein WWW the SDF (ADF if SDF does not exist) corresponding to Java-APsoftware which is the object for downloading is located.

Each of IP server units 12 to 14 is equipped with the function ofproducing and updating each of the above-mentioned files in accordancewith the command of an IP.

Administering server unit 18 is equipped with fixed memory 18A such as ahard disc. Administering server unit 18 establishes a TCP connectionwith the party. When administering server unit 18 receives a requestmessage which uses the GET method of HTTP from the party via a TCPconnection, administering server unit 18 reads out the file identifiedby the URL specified by the GET method from fixed memory 18A, andreturns a response message of HTTP containing the file, and severs theconnection.

Also, in the above-mentioned fixed memory 18A are stored, list file 200for introducing to the user of mobile unit 16 downloadable Java-APsoftware, and respective SDF corresponding to each Java-AP softwarewhich is listed in list file 200.

List file 200, as SDF, is the file produced by the communicationprovider in accordance with the contract signed by each IP whichadministers IP server units 12 to 14, and the communication providerwhich administers administering server unit 18. List file 200 is a textfile written in accordance with HTML. As already explained, the mobileunit needs to obtain the explanatory file containing a URL of an SDF todownload the SDF of certain Java-AP software. Mobile unit 16 can obtainthe explanatory file directly by accessing the IP server unit in whichthe explanatory file is stored. However, in the present embodiment,mobile unit 16 can obtain the explanatory file of the desired Java-APsoftware also by the following process as opposed to the above-mentioneddirect method. First, mobile unit 16, by accessing administering serverunit 18, obtains list file 200, and displays the UI screen accordingly.The user can carry out the operation on mobile unit 16 to specify theobject showing the desired Java-AP on the UI screen. List file 200matches the object specified by the user to a URL showing the locationof the explanatory file of Java-AP software in WWW which is the objectof downloading. Mobile unit 16, by using the URL obtained via list file200, obtains the explanatory file from the IP server unit.

Mobile unit 16 consists of, as shown in FIG. 3, OS (Operating System)software; ROM 16A in which Java-AP environment software for establishingthe environment for executing the Java-AP, and several types of nativeAP software are stored; CPU 16B which is connected to ROM 16A forreading out a program from ROM 16A and executing the program; displayingunit 16C which is connected to CPU 16B; fixed memory 16D; RAM 16E;communication unit 16F; and operation unit 16G.

Displaying unit 16C has, for instance, a liquid crystal displayingpanel, and displays data provided by CPU 16B as an image. Fixed memory16D is, for instance, SRAM or EEPROM, and data is read and written byCPU 16B. Fixed memory 16D is used to store Java-AP software (ADF andJar) downloaded from a server unit (hereinafter, referred to as a Webserver unit) constituting WWW, and an SDF.

Communication unit 16F performs radio packet communication with mobilepacket communication network 15, and relays packets between CPU 16B andmobile packet communication network 15. Also, communication unit 16F isequipped with CODEC, a microphone, a speaker and so forth forcommunication besides an antenna or a radio transmission and receptionunit. Hence, mobile unit 16, by communication unit 16F, can performcommunication by circuit switching via a mobile communication network(not shown). Operation unit 16G is equipped with an operationcontroller, and provides CPU 16B a signal in accordance with theoperation carried out by the operation controller.

As the switch (not shown) is turned on, CPU 16B reads out the programcontained in OS software from ROM 16A, and executes with RAM 16E as awork area. As a result, functions for providing UI and so forth areexecuted in CPU 16B. In other words, CPU 16B activates OS software, andexecutes OS of FIG. 4 in mobile unit 16. OS identifies the command ofthe user on the basis of the signal provided by operation unit 16G andthe status of UI, and executes the process in accordance with thecommand.

When the command of the user requests activation of communicationsoftware, which is native AP software, OS activates the communicationsoftware, and executes communication AP in mobile unit 16. By usingcommunication AP, the user can communicate with the party.

When the command of the user requests the activation of telephonedirectory AP, which is native AP software, OS activates the telephonedirectory software, and executes telephone directory AP in mobile unit16. By using telephone directory AP, the user can refer to, use, andchange the content of the telephone directory (hereinafter, referred toas telephone directory data) stored in fixed memory 16D.

When the command of the user requests the activation of Web browsersoftware, which is native AP software, OS activates Web browsersoftware, and executes the Web browser in mobile unit 16. Also, the Webbrowser provides UI. Then, as the user gives the command by operatingoperation unit 16G, the Web browser identifies the command of the useron the basis of the status of UI and the signal provided by operationunit 16G, and executes the process in accordance with the command. Forinstance, when the command is for obtaining the specified file from WWW,a TCP connection is established by operating communication unit 16F withthe Web server unit in which the file is stored, a request message ofHTTP using the GET method is transmitted by URL showing the specifiedlocation, a response message corresponding to the request message isreceived, and the connection is severed. Furthermore, the Web browserinterprets the file contained in the received response message inaccordance with HTML, produces UI containing the Web page, and providesthe user. Also, when a user sends a command for downloading Java-APsoftware, the command is notified to JAM (Java Application Manager).Specifically, in a Web page, either by clicking or pressing, when ananchor tag to which the object tag is specified is designated, the Webbrowser extracts URL which is specified as data property of the objecttag, and notifies JAM that downloading of Java-AP software by URL isrequested.

When the command of the user requests the activation of JAM software,which is native AP software, OS activates JAM software, and executes JAMin mobile unit 16. JAM shows to the user a list of Java-AP softwareinstalled in mobile unit 16, and activates the Java-AP softwarespecified by the user. Specifically, when the command of the user to JAMrequests the activation of Java-AP software, Java-AP environmentsoftware is activated, and Java-AP environment is executed in mobileunit 16. Then, the specified Java-AP software is activated, and Java-APis executed in Java-AP environment. Java-AP environment contains KVM,which is a lightweight Java Virtual Machine appropriate to a cellularterminal, and API provided for Java-AP. API provided for Java-AP isdivided into trusted API which only Java-AP whose trustworthiness isguaranteed by the communication provider on the basis of the contractwith the IP (hereinafter, referred to as trusted AP) is allowed to use,and non-trusted API which any Java-AP is allowed to use.

(2) Operation

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment is explained. JAM,when a command for requesting the downloading of Java-AP is notified bythe Web browser, carries out the process for downloading and installingJava-AP software into mobile unit 16. The flow of the process is shownin FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the process of mobile unit 16 for obtaining theexplanatory file is omitted. Since some different modes exist for theprocess of obtaining the explanatory file, the process will be laterexplained with some specific examples of the operation. As shown in FIG.5, JAM first determines whether Java-AP software, which is about to bedownloaded, is trusted Java-AP software (Step S11). Specifically, whenmobile unit 16 obtains the explanatory file, the Web browser providesthe user UI corresponding to the explanatory file, and receives thecommand for downloading Java-AP software from the user. The Web browsernotifies JAM of URL of the Java-AP software specified by the user. JAMrefers to the file name at the end of the URL notified by the Webbrowser, and determines that the software is trusted Java-AP software ifthe extension of the file is “sdf”, and non-trusted Java-AP software ifthe extension of the file is not “sdf.” When the Java-AP software, whichis about to be downloaded, is determined as trusted Java-AP software,the downloading and installation processes identical to the conventionalprocesses are carried out (Step S12).

When the Java-AP software, which is about to be downloaded, isdetermined as trusted Java-AP software, JAM obtains the SDFcorresponding to the software from administering server unit 18 (StepS13). In other words, JAM establishes the TCP connection withadministering server unit 18, produces and transmits via the TCPconnection a request message requesting administering server unit 18 fortransmission of the SDF stored in the location shown by URL notified bythe Web browser, receives the response message to the request message,and severs the above-mentioned connection.

Then, JAM extracts APID, ADF-URL, and the public key from SDF containedin the response message, and writes SDF into fixed memory 16D.

Next, JAM obtains ADF (Step S14). Specifically, JAM establishes the TCPconnection with the Web server unit in which ADF identified by ADF-URLextracted from SDF is stored, produces and transmits a request messagefor requesting transmission of ADF, receives a response message to therequest message, and severs the TCP connection.

As already explained, an ADF corresponding to trusted Java-AP software,contains the hash values of an APID and a Jar file, and further signed(encrypted) by the secret key CA gives to the IP which provides thetrusted Java-AP software. Then, JAM checks (decodes) the signature ofthe ADF contained in the response message by using the public keyextracted from the SDF, and determines the authenticity of the ADF (StepS15).

When an ADF is determined to be authentic, the JAM compares the APIDextracted from an SDF to an APID contained in the ADF, and determineswhether these APIDs match (Step S16). When these APIDs are determined tomatch, JAM determines whether the trusted Java-AP software can beinstalled in mobile unit 16 on the basis of the content of the ADF (StepS17). The basis of determination is identical to the conventional basis.

When installation is determined to be possible, JAM obtains the Jarfile. Specifically, JAM writes the ADF into mobile unit 16, and extractsthe hash value and package URL from the ADF. Furthermore, JAMestablishes the TCP connection with the Web server unit in which the Jarfile identified by package URL is stored, produces and transmits arequest message for requesting transmission of the Jar file, receivesthe response message to the request message, and severs the TCPconnection (Step S18).

Furthermore, JAM calculates the hash value to the obtained Jar file(Step S19). Any hash function can be used to calculate the hash value,but the hash value used by the mobile unit and the hash value the IPuses for calculating the hash value contained in the ADF must beidentical.

JAM compares the hash value calculated by JAM to the hash valueextracted from the ADF (Step S20), writes the obtained Jar file intoadministering server unit 18 when these hash values match, carries outseveral kinds of processes pertaining to installation of trusted Java-APsoftware (Step S21), and notifies the user that installation issuccessful (Step S22).

When an ADF is determined not to be authentic, when an APID of an SDFand an APID of an ADF do not match, when the Java-AP software which isabout to be installed is determined not to be installable, and when thecalculated hash value and the hash value of an ADF do not match, the JAMnotifies the user that installation has failed, and returns the statusof mobile unit 16 to the status that exists before the acquisition ofthe SDF starts.

Also, JAM supervises the operation of Java-AP, and restricts the use ofthe trusted API. The restriction is carried out in accordance withpolicy information in SDF stored in fixed memory 16D. Policy informationin SDF, for instance, is the content conceptually shown in FIG. 7. Inthe policy information shown in FIG. 7, the use of the necessary trustedAPI “getPhoneList( )” for referring to telephone number directory data,and the necessary trusted API “getMsStatus( )” for obtaining the statusof the mobile unit stored in the mobile unit are allowed, and the use ofthe necessary trusted API for referring to history data of transmissionand reception “getCallHistory( )” stored in the mobile unit isforbidden.

(3) Specific Operation

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned system is explained.

In the operation explained below, establishment of the TCP connectionand severing operation are general operations of HTTP; therefore, theexplanation is omitted. Also, the above-mentioned operations carried outby OS, the Web browser, JAM, Java-AP, native AP and so forth areoperations of mobile unit 16; therefore, in the following explanation,the main unit which carries out the operation is mobile unit 16.

In the operation explained hereinafter, the following case is thepresupposition. First, as shown in FIG. 8, in fixed memory 18A ofadministering server unit 18, are stored list file 200 and SDF 204. Atthis stage, list file 200 is written to provide list page 201 shown inFIG. 9 when interpreted and executed by mobile unit 16. Also, list file200 is written, when option 201A constituting list page 201 is specifiedeither by being clicked or pressed, to produce a request messagecontaining URL of explanatory file 202(“http://www.main.bbb.co.jp/ghi.html”) as a parameter of the GET method.Moreover, list file 200 is written, when option 201B constituting listpage 201 is specified, to produce a request message containing URL ofexplanatory file 207 (“http://www.ccc.co.jp/jkl.html”) as a parameter ofthe GET method.

Also, SDF 204 contains “0001” as APID, information shown in FIG. 7 aspolicy information, “http://www.main.bbb.co.jp/viewer.jam” as ADF-URL,and public key CA gives to IP which administers IP server unit 13 and IPserver unit 14.

Also, in fixed memory 12A of IP server unit 12, are stored explanatoryfile 211 corresponding to Java-AP software of the title “tsume-shogi” (agame similar to “chess”) (hereinafter, referred to as the first Java-JPsoftware), ADF 213, and Jar file 214. Explanatory file 211, ADF 213, andJar file 214 are produced by IP administering IP server unit 12. Thecontent of explanatory file 211 is shown in FIG. 10. Explanatory file211 is written to provide explanatory page 212 shown in FIG. 11 wheninterpreted and executed by mobile unit 16. Also, ADF 213 contains URLof Jar file 214 (“http://www.ccc.co.jp/shogi.jar”) as package URL.

Also, in fixed memory 12A of IP server unit 12, are stored explanatoryfile 207 corresponding to Java-AP software of the title “horoscope”(hereinafter, referred to as the second Java-AP software), ADF 209, andJar file 210. Explanatory file 207, ADF 209, and Jar file 210 areproduced by IP administering IP server unit 12. The content ofexplanatory file 207 is shown in FIG. 12. Explanatory file 207 iswritten to provide explanatory page 208 shown in FIG. 13 wheninterpreted and executed by mobile unit 16. Also, ADF 209 contains URLof Jar file 210 (“http://www.ccc.co.jp/horoscope.jar”) as package URL.

Also, in fixed memory 13A of IP server unit 13, are stored explanatoryfile 202 corresponding to Java-AP software of the title “telephonenumber directory viewer” (hereinafter, referred to as the third Java-APsoftware), ADF 205, and Jar file 206. Explanatory file 202, ADF 205, andJar file 206 are produced by IP administering IP server unit 13 and IPserver unit 14. The content of explanatory file 202 is shown in FIG. 14.Explanatory file 202 is written to provide explanatory page 203 shown inFIG. 15 when interpreted and executed by mobile unit 16. ADF 205contains “0001” as APID, the hash value of Jar file 206, URL of Jar file206 (“http://www.main.bbb.co.jp/viewer.jar”) as package URL, and issigned by secret key CA gives to IP administering IP server unit 13, andIP server unit 14.

Also, mobile unit 16 is in the status in which the first to the thirdJava-AP software can be downloaded.

(2-1) Installation Operation

First, the operation of installing Java-AP software in mobile unit 16 isexplained with reference to each Java-AP software.

(2-1-1) First Java-AP Software

The installation operation of the first Java-AP software begins when theuser finds the IP server unit in which Java-software he/she desires isstored, and then tries to obtain explanatory file 211 in the Web browserby operating mobile unit 16. First, in mobile unit 16, request messagetm 12 containing URL of explanatory file 211(“http://www.ccc.co.jp/mno.html”) as a parameter of the GET method isproduced. Request message tm 12 is, as shown in FIG. 16, transmitted bymobile unit 16, and is received by IP server unit 12. In IP server unit12, response message tm 13 containing explanatory file 211 is producedin response to the content of request message tm 12. Response message tm13 is transmitted by IP server unit 12, and is received by mobile unit16. In mobile unit 16, UI corresponding to the content of explanatoryfile 211 is provided to the user. As a result, in displaying unit 16C,explanatory page 212 shown, for instance, in FIG. 11 is displayed.

When the user sees explanatory page 212, and operates mobile unit 16 tohit anchor 212A in explanatory page 212, the value specified as ijamproperty of the anchor tag written in explanatory file 211 of FIG. 10(the tag which begins with “<A”) identifies the object tag specified asid property (the tag which begins with “<OBJECT”) in mobile unit 16.Then, URL specified as data property of the object tag(“http://www.ccc.co.jp/shogi.jam”) is extracted, and determination ofStep S11 of FIG. 5 is carried out. In the present example, since theextension of URL is not sdf, the ordinary process (Step S12) is carriedout. In other words, the process is carried out as follows. First,request message tm 16 for requesting transmission of ADF 213 identifiedby the URL is produced. Request message tm 16 is transmitted by mobileunit 16, and is received by IP server unit 12. In IP server unit 12,response message tm 17 containing ADF 213 is produced in response to thecontent of request message tm 16. Response message tm 17 is transmittedby IP server unit 12, and is received by mobile unit 16.

In mobile unit 16, on the basis of the content of ADF 213, whether thefirst Java-AP software can be installed is determined. As mentionedabove, since mobile unit 16 is in the status in which the first Java-APsoftware can be installed, installation of the first Java-AP software isdetermined to be possible in mobile unit 16.

Then, in mobile unit 16, ADF 213 is written into fixed memory 16D1.Also, in mobile unit 16, package URL (“http://www.ccc.co.jp/shogi.jar”)is extracted from ADF 213, and request message tm 18 requestingtransmission of Jar file 214 identified by the package URL is produced.Request message tm 18 is transmitted by mobile unit 16, and is receivedby IP server unit 12. In IP server unit 12, response message tm 19containing Jar file 214 is produced in response to the content ofrequest message tm 18. Response message tm 19 is transmitted by IPserver unit 12, and is received by mobile unit 16. In mobile unit 16,Jar file 214 is written into fixed memory 16D1, and installation of thefirst Java-AP software is completed.

When the first Java-AP software is determined as not installable inmobile unit 16, the status of mobile unit 16 returns to the status thatexisted before the acquisition of ADF 213 began.

(2-1-2) Second Java-AP Software

The installation operation of the second Java-AP software begins whenthe user tries to obtain explanatory file 207 by operating mobile unit16. As already explained, explanatory file 207 can be obtained either bydirectly accessing the relevant IP server or through list file 200, butonly the operation which begins with trying to obtain list file 200 isexplained.

As shown in FIG. 17, in mobile unit 16, request message tm 20 containingURL of list file 200 (“http://www.aaa.co.jp/def.html”) as a parameter ofthe GET method is produced. Request message tm 20 is transmitted bymobile unit 16, and is received by administering server unit 18. Inadministering server unit 18, response message tm 21 containing listfile 200 is produced in response to the content of request message tm20. Response message tm 21 is transmitted by administering server unit18, and is received by mobile unit 16. In mobile unit 16, when responsemessage tm 21 is received, list file 200 in response message tm 21 isinterpreted in accordance with HTML, and UI corresponding to the contentof list file 200 is provided to the user of mobile unit 16. As a result,in displaying unit 16C of mobile unit 16, list page 201 shown, forinstance, in FIG. 9 is displayed.

When the user, after seeing list page 201, operates mobile unit 16 tohit option 201B in list page 201, request message tm 22 containing URL(“http://www.ccc.co.jp.jkl.html”) corresponding to option 201B as aparameter of the GET method is produced. Request message tm 22 istransmitted by mobile unit 16, and is received by IP server unit 12. InIP server unit 12, response message tm 23 containing explanatory file207 is produced in response to the content of request message tm 22.Response message tm 23 is transmitted by IP server unit 12, and isreceived by mobile unit 16. In mobile unit 16, UI corresponding to thecontent of explanatory file 207 is provided to the user. As a result, indisplaying unit 16C, explanatory page 208 shown, for instance, in FIG.13 is displayed.

When the user, after seeing explanatory page 208, operates mobile unit16 to hit anchor 208A in explanatory page 208, the value specified asijam property of the anchor tag written in explanatory file 207 of FIG.12 (the tag which begins with “<A”) identifies the object tag specifiedas id property (the tag which begins with “<OBJECT”). Then, URLspecified as data property of the object tag(“http://www.ccc.co.jp/horoscope.jam”) is extracted, and determinationof Step S11 of FIG. 5 is carried out. In this example, since theextension of URL is not sdf, an ordinary process (Step S12) is carriedout. In other words, the process is carried out as follows. First,request message tm 26 requesting transmission of ADF 209 identified bythe URL is produced. Request message tm 26 is transmitted by mobile unit16, and is received by IP server unit 12. In IP server unit 12, responsemessage tm 27 containing ADF 209 corresponding to the content of requestmessage tm 26 is produced. Response message tm 27 is transmitted by IPserver unit 12, and is received by mobile unit 16.

In mobile unit 16, on the basis of the content of ADF 209, whether thesecond Java-AP software can be installed is determined. As mentionedabove, since mobile unit 16 is in the status in which the second Java-APsoftware can be installed, the second Java-AP software is determined asinstallable in mobile unit 16.

Next, in mobile unit 16, ADF 209 is written into fixed memory 16D1.Also, in mobile unit 16, package URL(“http://www.ccc.co.jp/horoscope.jar”) is extracted from ADF 209, andrequest message tm 28 requesting transmission of jar file 210 identifiedby package URL is produced. Request message tm 28 is transmitted bymobile unit 16, and is received by IP server unit 12. In IP server unit12, response message tm 29 containing Jar file 210 in response to thecontent of request message tm 28 is produced. Response message tm 29 istransmitted by IP server unit 12, and is received by mobile unit 16. Inmobile unit 16, Jar file 210 is written into fixed memory 16D1, andinstallation of the second Java-AP software is completed.

When the second Java-AP software is determined as not installable inmobile unit 16, the status of mobile unit 16 returns to a previousstatus, that which existed before the acquisition of ADF 209 began.

(2-1-3) Third Java-AP Software

The installation operation of the third Java-AP software begins when theuser tries to obtain explanatory file 202 by operating mobile unit 16.In the operation, mobile unit 16 obtains relevant list file 200,determines where explanatory file 202 exists, and tries to obtainexplanatory file 202.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the operation which begins by trying to obtainlist file 200, an operation identical to the operation shown in FIG. 17is carried out till list page 201 shown, for instance, in FIG. 9 isdisplayed after mobile unit 16 receives response message tm 21. When theuser, after seeing list page 201, operates mobile unit 16 to hit option201A in list page 201, request message tm 32 containing URLcorresponding to option 201A (“http://www.main.bbb.co.jp/ghi.html”) as aparameter of the GET method is produced in mobile unit 16. Requestmessage tm 32 is transmitted by mobile unit 16, and is received by IPserver unit 13. In IP server unit 13, response message tm 33 containingexplanatory file 202 in response to the content of request message tm 32is produced. Response message tm 33 is transmitted by IP server unit 13,and is received by mobile unit 16. In mobile unit 16, the user isprovided with UI corresponding to the content of explanatory file 202.As a result, in displaying unit 16C, explanatory page 203 shown, forinstance, in FIG. 15 is displayed.

When the user, after seeing explanatory page 203, operates mobile unit16 to hit anchor 203A in explanatory page 203, the value specified asijam property of the anchor tag written in explanatory file 202 in FIG.14 (the tag which begins with “<A”) identifies the object tag specifiedas id property (the tag which begins by “<OBJECT”). Then, URL specifiedas data property of the object tag (“http://www.aaa.co.jp/abc.sdf”) isextracted, and determination of Step S11 in FIG. 5 is carried out. Inthe example, the extension of URL is sdf, therefore, the process of stepS 13 and thereafter is carried out. In other words, the process iscarried out as follows. First, request message tm 34 requestingtransmission of SDF 204 identified by the URL is produced. Requestmessage tm 34 is transmitted by mobile unit 16, and is received byadministering server unit 18. In administering server unit 18, responsemessage tm 35 containing SDF 204 in response to the content of requestmessage tm 34 is produced. Response message tm 35 is transmitted byadministering server unit 18, and received by mobile unit 16 via gatewayserver unit 17 and mobile packet communication network 15. Thecommunication path between administering server unit 18 and gatewayserver 17 is an exclusive line, and since gateway server unit 17 isdirectly connected to mobile packet communication network 15 whosesecurity is assured, SDF 204 can not be falsified until SDF 204 isreceived by mobile unit 16 (thereinbefore, Step S13).

In mobile unit 16, SDF 204 is written into fixed memory 16D1 of fixedmemory 16D. Also, in mobile unit 16, APID (“0001”), ADF-URL(“http://www.main.bbb.co.jp/viewer.jam”), and the public key areextracted from SDF 204, and request message tm 36 requestingtransmission of ADF 205 identified by ADF-URL is produced. Requestmessage tm 36 is transmitted by mobile unit 16, and is received by IPserver unit 13. In IP server unit 13, response message tm 37 containingADF 205 in response to the content of request message tm 36 is produced.Response message tm 37 is transmitted by IP server unit 13, and isreceived by mobile unit 16 (thereinbefore, Step S14).

In mobile unit 16, authenticity of ADF 205 is determined by using thepublic key extracted from SDF 204 (Step S15). As mentioned above, sincethe public key contained in SDF 204 corresponds to the key used for thesignature on ADF 205, ADF 205 is determined to be authentic as far asADF 205 is not changed in IP server unit 13, or on the communicationpath between IP server unit 13 and mobile unit 16.

When ADF 205 is determined to be authentic, in mobile unit 16, APIDextracted from SDF 204 and APID contained in ADF 205 are compared (StepS16). As mentioned above, since APID which matches APID in SDF 204 iswritten in ADF 205 in IP server unit 13, APID extracted from SDF 204 andAPID contained in ADF 205 match as long as the description is correct.

When APID match, in mobile unit 16, whether the third Java-AP softwarecan be installed is determined on the basis of the content of ADF 205(Step S17). As mentioned above, since mobile unit 16 is in the status inwhich the third Java-AP software can be installed, the third Java-APsoftware is determined to be installable in mobile unit 16.

Then, in mobile unit 16, ADF 205 is written into fixed memory 16D1.Also, in mobile unit 16, the hash value and package URL(“http://www.main.bbb.co.jp/viewer.jar”) are extracted, and requestmessage tm 38 requesting transmission of Jar file 206 identified by thepackage URL is produced. Request message tm 38 is transmitted by mobileunit 16, and is received by IP server unit 13. In IP server unit 13,response message tm 39 containing Jar file 206 corresponding to thecontent of request message tm 38 is produced. Response message tm 39 istransmitted by IP server unit 13, and is received by mobile unit 16(thereinbefore, Step S18).

In mobile unit 16, the hash value is calculated by using Jar file 206and the specific hash function (Step S19), and the calculated hash valueand the hash value extracted from ADF 205 are compared (Step S20). Asmentioned above, the hash value of the Jar file corresponding to ADF 205is written in ADF 205; therefore, these hash values would match as longas the description is correct. When these hash values match, in mobileunit 16, Jar file 206 is written into fixed memory 16D1, and theinstallation of the third Java-AP software is completed (Step S21 andS22).

When ADF 205 is determined to be not authentic in mobile unit 16, whenAPID extracted from SDF 204 and APID contained in ADF 205 do not match,when the third Java-AP software is determined to be not installable, orwhen the calculated hash value and the hash value extracted from ADF 205do not match, a failure notice is sent to the user (Step S23), and thestatus of mobile unit 16 returns to a previous status that which existedbefore the acquisition of SDF 204 began.

(2-2) Operation of Mobile Unit 16 When Java-AP Software is Activated

Next, the operation of mobile unit 16 when Java-AP software is activatedwill be explained.

(2-2-1) First Java-AP Software

The operation of mobile unit 16, when the first Java-AP softwareinstalled by the above-mentioned installation operation is activated inmobile unit 16 in which JAM is achieved, and the functions correspondingto the software (hereinafter, referred to as the first Java-AP) areachieved will be explained.

When API, which the first Java-AP is about to use is non-trusted API,the use of the API is approved by JAM. Hence, the first Java-AP can usethe API.

On the other hand, when API, which the first Java-AP is about to use istrusted API, JAM checks whether SDF corresponding to the Java-AP isstored in fixed memory 16D. Since such SDF is not stored in fixed memory16D, JAM forbids the use of the API by the first Java-AP. Hence, thefirst Java-AP will not be able use the API.

(2-2-2) Second Java-AP Software

The operation of mobile unit 16 when the installed second Java-APsoftware is activated in mobile unit 16 in which JAM is achieved, andthe functions corresponding to the software are achieved, is identicalto the operation of mobile unit 16 when the first Java-AP software isactivated.

(2-2-3) Third Java-AP Software

The operation of mobile unit 16 when the installed third Java-APsoftware is activated in mobile unit 16 in which JAM is achieved, andthe functions corresponding to the software (hereinafter, referred to asthe third Java-AP) are achieved, will be explained.

When API, which the third Java-AP is about to use is non-trusted API,the use of the API is approved by JAM. Hence, the third Java-AP can usethe API.

When API, which the third Java-AP is about to use is trusted API, theoperation of mobile unit 16 depends upon the API. Hereinafter, theoperation of mobile unit 16 is explained with regard to each API.

(2-2-3-1) getPhoneList( )

Since “getPhoneList( )” is trusted API, whether the API can be used isdetermined by JAM on the basis of policy information in SDF 204 storedin fixed memory 16D. The content of the policy information is thecontent shown in FIG. 7; therefore, the use of “getPhoneList( )” isapproved by JAM. Hence, the third Java-AP can use “getPhoneList( )”. Inother words, the third Java-AP can read out telephone number directorydata.

(2-2-3-2) getCallHistory( )

Since “getCallHistory( )” is trusted API, whether the API can be used isdetermined by JAM on the basis of policy information in SDF 204. Sincethe content of the policy information is the content shown in FIG. 7,the use of “getCallHistory( )” is forbidden by JAM. Hence, the thirdJava-AP cannot use “getCallHitory( )”. In other words, the third Java-APcannot read out history data of transmission and reception.

(2-3) Operation After Third Java-AP Software is Changed

Next, the operation of the present system after IP, which administers IPserver unit 13 and IP server unit 14 changes the transmission mode orthe content of the third Java-AP software will be explained. However,the present change includes the change of the content of Jar file 206for the purpose such as the improvement of the third Java-AP software,and the change of the transmission mode for the purpose such asalleviating the burden on IP server unit 13. To achieve the latterchange, IP which administers IP server unit 13 and IP server unit 14, asshown in FIG. 19, stores Jar file 206 after the change (hereinafter,referred to as Jar file 215) in fixed memory 14A of IP server unit 14,and produces ADF 216 by changing the content of ADF 205 in accordancewith Jar file 215. The above-mentioned operation is required fortransmission of the third Java-AP software after the change, and nooperation is required for the communication provider, which administersadministering server unit 18.

The installation operation of the third Java-AP software after suchchanges is shown in FIG. 20. The operation shown in FIG. 20 begins todiffer from the operation shown in FIG. 18 when, in IP server unit 13,response message tm 47 containing ADF 216 is produced as opposed toresponse message tm 37 containing ADF 205. Response message tm 47corresponds to response message tm 37, response message tm 48corresponds to response message tm 38, and response message tm 49corresponds to response message tm 39.

The operation after response message tm 47 is produced in IP server unit13 essentially differs from the operation shown in FIG. 18 in that ADF216 and Jar file 215 are the objects of the process; request message tm48 requesting transmission of Jar file 215 identified by package URLcontained in ADF 216 (“http://www.sub.bbb.co.jp/viewer.jar”) is producedin mobile unit 16; request message tm 48 is transmitted by mobile unit16, and received by IP server unit 14; response message tm 49 containingJar file 215 is produced in IP server unit 14; and response message tm49 is transmitted by IP server unit 14, and is received by mobile unit16.

(3) Modification

In the above-mentioned transmission system, ADF and a Jar file aretransmitted by the IP server unit, but one or both of these can betransmitted by the administering server unit.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, the mobile unitconfirms the authenticity of the correspondence of the producer of SDFwith the producer of ADF on the basis of signature data using the secretkey and the public key, but the length of the process in the mobile unitand the IP server unit, or the amount of communication among the mobileunit, the administering server unit, and the IP server unit can bealleviated by not including the public key in SDF; by not signing ADF byusing the secret key in the IP server unit; or by omitting theconfirmation process in the mobile unit, according to the security levelrequired for the system.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, the hash value of theJar file is included in ADF corresponding to the Jar file; and the hashvalue is calculated in the mobile unit; then the authenticity of thecorrespondence of the Jar file and ADF is confirmed by comparing thehash value in ADF to the calculated hash value, but the length of theprocess in the mobile unit and the IP server unit and the amount ofcommunication between the mobile unit and the IP server unit can bealleviated by omitting the confirmation process without including thehash value in ADF depending upon the security level required for thesystem.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, whether thecorrespondence of SDF with ADF (and the Jar file) is authentic isdetermined by using the inherent APID to trusted Java-AP, butauthenticity of the correspondence of SDF with ADF (and the Jar file)can be determined by using the CID inherent to the information provider,which provides trusted Java-AP. Also, depending upon the security levelrequired for the system, the determination made on the basis of APID andCID can be omitted.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, the server isspecified by using the domain name, but the server can also be specifiedby using the IP address.

Also, in the mobile unit, by comparing the domain name of the serverunit, which transmits SDF to a preset letter string, SDF can bedetermined to be authentic only when the domain name is that of a serverunit administered by a trustworthy organization. In this mode, theletter string to be compared (for instance, the letter string showingthe domain name of the communication provider) is pre-stored in ROM orthe fixed memory of the mobile unit. When the letter string ispre-stored in ROM, higher security can be assured since the letterstring cannot be rewritten. Also, if the letter string is pre-stored inthe fixed memory, trustworthy organizations can be stored after thepurchase of the mobile unit; therefore, excellent convenience can beprovided to a user and a trustworthy organization.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, a high level ofsecurity is assured with a communication provider, which provides thecommunication path used for transmission of SDF as a trustworthyorganization, but the technological scope of the present inventionincludes the mode in which the communication path is not provided by atrustworthy organization. For instance, by connecting a trustworthyorganization to a mobile unit by using an encrypted communication path,the trustworthy organization can transmit SDF via the encryptedcommunication path. Also, even if the security of the communication pathis not assured, by transmitting after encrypting SDF, and decoding SDFin the mobile unit, SDF can be transmitted with a certain degree ofsecurity.

In the above-mentioned transmission system, a file is transmitted andreceived in accordance with HTTP, but the system can be modified toassure higher security by using HTTPS.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, a trustworthyorganization can be an IP, in other words, the administering unit couldcomprise an IP server unit.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned transmission system, API is the objectfor restricting the use by Java-AP, but any resource can be the object.The resource can be a hardware resource. Also, the resource can be anetwork resource, or a software resource. A hardware resource can be aresource such as a memory, a speaker, a microphone, an infraredcontroller, LED (Light Emitting Diode) which a mobile unit can beequipped with, or an external hardware box such as UIM (User IdentityModule) or SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) which functions with themobile unit.

Next, a network resource is explained. As mentioned above, the mobileunit performs radio communication with the mobile communication network.During radio communication, the mobile unit uses a radio resource suchas a radio channel provided by the mobile communication network. Theradio resource is one of network resources. Also, the mobile unit, in ahigher communication protocol layer than the communication protocollayer the radio resource belongs to, uses a communication resource suchas a transmission path of packets or a communication path of theconnecting network. The communication resources such as these areincluded as a network resource.

Next, a software resource is explained. A software resource can be API,a class, a package and so forth. Various functions are provided by asoftware resource, but a typical function can be a computation processsuch as encryption computation, or a function of transmitting orreceiving data with other applications such as a Web browser. Also, thetechnological scope of the present invention includes the mode ofrestricting the use of a software resource, which the above-mentionedexternal hardware box is equipped with.

Incidentally, the use of a hardware resource or a network resource byJava-AP generally takes place by using a software resource. A mobileunit of the above-mentioned transmission system is also equipped with asoftware resource to use a hardware resource or a network resource, andby restricting the use of a software resource of this type; the use of ahardware resource or a network resource is indirectly restricted. Byindirectly restricting in this manner, and by preparing various softwareresources, restrictions which cannot be achieved unless restriction on aplurality of resources are changed in detail, such as giving the rightto change the authorization of Java-AP to only trusted Java-AP, liftingthe restriction on allowing to communicate only with a server unitaccessed for downloading, or allowing to access a specific memory domaincan easily be specified. Also, the mode of indirectly restricting theuse of a software resource of the above-mentioned external hardware boxby restricting the use of a software resource installed in the mobileunit is included in the technological scope of the present invention.

With regard to a method of expressing permission, a flag (permit/forbid)corresponding to one resource can be used, or permissions of a pluralityof resources can be denoted by one expression.

Also, in the present invention, permission can be denoted to permit (orforbid) the use of a resource with a plurality of types. In this case,in the mobile unit, a more precise control can be achieved. Forinstance, since two modes (reading out and writing in) exist in thememory, the memory can be used for both reading out and writing in bytrusted Java-AP although memory is used only for reading out bynon-trusted Java-AP. Also, for instance, when the Web browser and soforth are activated while Java-AP with the right to use a packettransmission path is activated in a mobile unit in which a plurality ofapplications can share one packet transmission path, control can be suchthat Java-AP which is permitted to “exclusively use a packettransmission path” can exclusively use a packet transmission pathalthough the Java-AP which is not permitted to “exclusively use a packettransmission path” cannot exclude the sharing of packet transmissionpath by a Web browser and so forth. Also, by further modifying theabove-mentioned modification, the following control can be possible. Inother words, Java-AP with a certain type of permission can exclusivelyuse the packet communication path without the user's consent. Also,Java-AP with another permission can use the packet communication pathwithout the user's consent, but needs to obtain the user's consent toexclusively use the packet communication path. Also, Java-AP withanother permission can use the packet communication path without theuser's consent, but cannot exclusively use the packet communicationpath. Also, Java-AP with another permission can use the packetcommunication path only with the user's permission. Also, Java-AP withanother permission cannot even use the packet communication path. As itis obvious from these examples, “types of use” of the present inventionalso contain types of a process when a resource is used (a process ofobtaining the user's consent/a process of not obtaining the user'sconsent)

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, an identical list pageis provided for all mobile units, but a different list page can beprovided for each mobile unit.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, the operation ofJava-AP is restricted when the Java-AP is executed. Instead, byincluding policy information in the Jar file stored in the IP serverunit, and when the Jar file is downloaded in the mobile unit, activationof the Java-AP corresponding to the Jar file, or installation of Java-APsoftware containing the Jar file can be forbidden if comparison betweenthe policy information and the policy information in SDF results in amismatch. Only the permission given to the item as a result of the matchin policy information can be valid.

Also, SDF can be transmitted after being signed by the secret key, whichCA gives to the communication provider, and the signature on SDF can beinspected in the mobile unit by the public key, which CA gives to thecommunication provider. The public key of the communication providermust necessarily be pre-stored in the mobile unit. The public key can bepre-stored in the fixed memory after being transmitted by means ofcommunication. Also, the mobile unit can be sold after writing the keyinto ROM.

Also, in the above-mentioned transmission system, software is deliveredto a mobile unit, but the technological scope of the present inventionincludes the mode of transmitting software to a terminal unit besides amobile unit.

1.-21. (canceled)
 22. A terminal unit, comprising: an executing unitconfigured to execute at least a first type of program and a second typeof program, the first type of program requiring a security descriptivefile, the second type of program not requiring the security descriptivefile, the security descriptive file including authorization information,the authorization information being information used for controllingaccess by a program to at least one resource from among a hardwareresource, a network resource and a software resource; a determining unitconfigured to determine whether a program to be executed by theexecuting unit is the first type or the second type; a controlling unitconfigured to control access to the at least one resource in accordancewith a first condition if the program to be executed by the executingunit is determined to be the first type, and configured to controlaccess to the at least one resource in accordance with a secondcondition if the program to be executed by the executing unit isdetermined to be the second type, the first condition being a conditionbased on the authorization information.
 23. The terminal unit accordingto claim 22, wherein the first condition is more permissive that thesecond condition.
 24. The terminal unit according to claim 22, whereinthe first condition is a condition to permit access to a resource inaccordance with the authorization information as well as access to aresource in accordance with a predetermined condition, and the secondcondition is a condition to permit access to a resource in accordancewith the predetermined condition.
 25. The terminal unit according toclaim 22, wherein: the terminal unit further includes a first obtainingunit configured to obtain the authorization information through anetwork; the security descriptive file shows a stored location of theapplication descriptive file; the application descriptive file shows astored location of an entity file, the entity file including a programto be executed by the executing unit; the terminal unit further includesa second obtaining unit configured to obtain the application descriptivefile from the stored location shown by the security descriptive file;the terminal unit further includes a third obtaining unit configured toobtain the entity file from the stored location shown by the applicationdescriptive file; the terminal unit further includes an install unitconfigured to install in the terminal unit the program included in theentity file; and the executing unit is configured to execute the programinstalled by the installed unit.
 26. The terminal unit according toclaim 22, wherein the software resource includes at least one of API(Application Program Interface), class and package.
 27. The terminalunit according to claim 22, wherein the authorization information showsa type of use of a resource.
 28. The terminal unit according to claim22, further comprising at least one of a memory, a speaker, amicrophone, an infrared controller, and a light emitting diode as thehardware resource.
 29. The terminal unit according to claim 22, whereinthe hardware resource includes an external device which is a deviceother than the terminal unit.
 30. The terminal unit according to claim22, further comprising a wireless communication unit configured tocommunicate through a network, and the network resource includes atleast one of a wireless communication channel, a packet transmissionpath, a connection provided by the network.
 31. A computer-readablestorage medium storing a program causing a computer device to execute aprocess, the computer device including an executing unit configured toexecute at least a first type of program and a second type of program,the first type of program requiring a security descriptive file, thesecond type of program not requiring the security descriptive file, thesecurity descriptive file including authorization information, theauthorization information being information used for controlling anaccess by a program to at least one resource from among a hardwareresource, a network resource and a software resource; the processcomprising: determining whether a program to be executed by theexecuting unit is the first type or the second type; controlling anaccess to the at least one resource in accordance with a first conditionif the program to be executed by the executing unit is determined to thefirst type, and configured to control an access to the at least oneresource in accordance with a second condition if the program to beexecuted by the executing unit is determined to the second type, thefirst condition being a condition based on the authorizationinformation.